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New U.S. and International postage prices will go into effect Monday, May 11. The cost to mail a U.S. first-class one-ounce letter will increase two cents, from 42 to 44 cents. The cost to mail a one-ounce flat and one-ounce parcel will each increase five cents. One-ounce flats will now cost 88 cents, and a one-ounce parcel $1.22. Mailing a postcard will cost a penny more, from 27 to 28 cents. First-class mailing to Canada will change from 72 to 75 cents; Mexico 74 to 79 cents; and postage increases from 94 to 98 cents for mailing to other countries. Some postage prices will stay the same, such as the first-class mail additional ounce price, which will remain at 17 cents and the cost of the Breast Cancer Research Stamp which will remain at 55 cents. The prices for Priority Mail, Express Mail and package shipping will stay the same since these were adjusted in January. The new postage increase is badly needed to help cover higher U.S. Postal Service (USPS) operating expenses. USPS receives no tax dollars for its operations and relies on its mail volume and the sale of postage, products and services to cover its costs. With the poor economy and mail volume being down nationally by at least 12 percent, the Postal Service is facing a $6 billion dollar budget deficit this year. Americans still have one of the lowest postage rates in the world. Mailers can save on future postage increases by purchasing Forever Stamps now. The Forever Stamp is always good for mailing a one-ounce letter at its current and future rate, despite any new postage increases. Prices for mailing services will continue to adjust each May. For detailed information on the new U.S. and International postage rates and a listing of prices, go to www.usps.com/prices.